Forensic entomologists use their knowledge of insects and and their life cycles and behaviors to give them clues about a crime. Most insects used in forensic investigations are in two major orders: Diptera (flies) and Coleoptera (beetles).

Question

Forensic entomologists use their knowledge of insects and and their life cycles and behaviors to give them clues about a crime. Most insects used in forensic investigations are in two major orders: Diptera (flies) and Coleoptera (beetles).

Species succession may provide clues for investigators. Some insect species may feed on a fresh corpse, while another species may prefer to feed on one that has been dead for two weeks. Other insect species that prey on the insects feeding on the corpse may also be found.
Weather data is also an important tool in analyzing insect evidence from a corpse. Investigators will make note of the temperature of the air, ground surface, the interface area between the body and the ground, and the soil under the body as well as the temperature inside any maggot masses. They will also collect weather data related to daily temperature (highs/lows) and precipitation for a period of time before the body was discovered to the day the insect evidence was collected.

What effect do drugs have on insect development?

Answer 1

Drugs can have a significant effect on insect development. Drugs such as alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine can affect the growth and development of insects, as well as their behavior. For example, alcohol can slow down the development of larvae, while nicotine can cause larvae to become more active. Cocaine can also affect the development of larvae, causing them to become more aggressive and to feed more frequently. Additionally, drugs can affect the reproductive behavior of insects, causing them to lay fewer eggs or to produce eggs with lower hatching rates.